Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday took the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine as the next phase of the vaccination drive for people above 60 years and those aged 45 years and above with comorbidities began in the state today.
Nitish got the first shot of Covid-19 vaccine at the premier Government hospital Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in the State Capital. The vaccination will, however, be free at private hospitals of Bihar, even though the Centre has capped the cost of vaccines at private hospitals at Rs 250 per dose.
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On the eve of Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP had promised in its manifesto that coronavirus vaccine will be provided to everyone in the State for free if the NDA returned to power. It was against this backdrop that the Cabinet, chaired by Nitish, decided that vaccines will be provided free of cost even at private hospitals in Bihar.
The State Government has identified 58 such private hospitals, apart from the government hospitals in the sate, where one can get free vaccination.
“The Bihar Government will bear the cost of coronavirus vaccination even at private hospitals,” said Nitish, shortly after taking the first dose of vaccine. He was under observation of doctors for 30 minutes after vaccination.
“I am absolutely fine after the vaccination. I will come again on March 31 to take the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine. I appeal to all those eligible to get themselves vaccinated,” the Chief Minister, flanked by Bihar’s Health Minister Mangal Pandey, said.
Incidentally, it was Nitish’s 70 birthday too on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav wished him in the morning, while JD (U) leaders cut a 70-pound cake on the occasion.
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